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Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide is a fixed-dose combination antihypertensive (an angiotensin receptor blocker plus a thiazide diuretic) indicated for: Hypertension: Treatment of high blood pressure…

Forms:Tablet

About Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide

Indications of Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide

Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide is a fixed-dose combination antihypertensive (an angiotensin receptor blocker plus a thiazide diuretic) indicated for:

  • Hypertension: Treatment of high blood pressure in adult patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on monotherapy with either component alone. Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide is also indicated as initial therapy in patients likely to need multiple drugs to reach their blood pressure goal.

Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide is not indicated for the initial treatment of hypertension in patients who are volume-depleted, nor as a substitute for the individual components when initiating therapy. It lowers blood pressure but has not been specifically studied to demonstrate reduction of cardiovascular morbidity or mortality; benefit is inferred from blood pressure lowering. Use should be individualized by a physician based on response to and tolerability of the individual components.

Dosage & Administration of Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide

Adult Dose - Hypertension

Clinical scenarioTypical Adult DoseNotes
Not controlled on monotherapy (add-on/substitution)One tablet once daily; strength individualized (e.g., 80/12.5 mg, 160/12.5 mg, or 160/25 mg)Titrate no sooner than 2-4 weeks after starting a given dose, based on blood pressure response
Initial therapy in patients likely to need multiple drugsLowest available strength once daily, titrated upward as neededNot recommended as first-line therapy for volume-depleted patients
Maximum doseValsartan 320 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg once dailyHigher doses of hydrochlorothiazide are not usually associated with additional blood pressure benefit

Pediatric Dose

Safety and efficacy of Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide as a fixed-dose combination have not been established in children; it is not recommended for pediatric use (see Pediatric Uses).

Renal Impairment

Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate below 30 mL/min/1.73m²) because thiazides may be ineffective and can precipitate azotemia in this population; the drug is contraindicated in anuria. Caution and monitoring of renal function are advised in mild-to-moderate renal impairment.

Hepatic Impairment

No dose adjustment of valsartan is generally required in mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment without cholestasis; Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide should be used cautiously in hepatic impairment because minor alterations in fluid and electrolyte balance may precipitate hepatic coma.

If a dose of Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped; doses should not be doubled.

Side Effects of Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide

Side effects of Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide arise from its two components.

Common

  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Upper respiratory tract symptoms
  • Diarrhea
  • Mild hypotension, especially after the first few doses

Less Common/Serious

  • Electrolyte disturbances: hypokalemia, hyponatremia, and, less commonly, hyperkalemia (net effect requires monitoring - see Precautions and Warnings)
  • Hyperuricemia and precipitation of gout
  • Hyperglycemia and worsening of glycemic control in diabetic patients (thiazide-related)
  • Symptomatic hypotension, particularly in volume- or salt-depleted patients
  • Deterioration of renal function, particularly with pre-existing renal impairment or volume depletion
  • Photosensitivity reactions (thiazide-related)
  • Angioedema (rare)

Patients should seek prompt medical advice for severe dizziness, fainting, muscle cramps or weakness, palpitations, marked reduction in urination, or swelling of the face/lips/tongue while taking Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide.

Contraindications of Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide

Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide is contraindicated in:

  • Patients with known hypersensitivity to valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, other sulfonamide-derived drugs, or any component of the formulation.
  • Pregnancy - Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide can cause injury or death to the developing fetus when used in pregnancy (see boxed fetal toxicity warning under Pregnancy and Lactation); discontinue as soon as pregnancy is detected.
  • Anuria (related to the hydrochlorothiazide component).
  • Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Frequently Asked Questions about Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide

What is Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide used for?

Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), particularly when blood pressure is not adequately controlled with a single blood-pressure medicine alone, or as initial therapy in people likely to need more than one drug.

How should I take Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide?

Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide is usually taken once daily by mouth, with or without food, at about the same time each day. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not change your dose or stop taking it without talking to your physician.

Can I take Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide is contraindicated in pregnancy because it can cause serious injury or death to the developing fetus, especially in the second and third trimesters. If you become pregnant while taking Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide, stop the medicine and contact your physician immediately so an alternative treatment can be arranged. Small amounts of the hydrochlorothiazide component pass into breast milk, so use during breastfeeding should only be under medical advice.

What are the common side effects of Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide?

Common side effects include dizziness, headache, tiredness, and mild lowering of blood pressure, especially after the first few doses. It can also affect blood potassium and sodium levels, raise uric acid (risking gout), and affect blood sugar control. Contact your physician if you notice severe dizziness, fainting, muscle cramps or weakness, a marked decrease in urination, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.

Who should not take Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide?

Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide should not be used by people who are hypersensitive to valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or sulfonamide-derived drugs, by pregnant women, by patients with anuria (absence of urine production), or together with aliskiren in patients with diabetes. Tell your physician about all your medical conditions and medicines before starting treatment.

What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose, in which case skip the missed dose - do not double up. If you or someone else has taken too much Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide, this is a medical emergency: seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services/poison control right away.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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